This invention discloses methods for reducing physiologic molecules in abnormal levels and/or exogenous toxins in blood from blood by way of an extracorporeal circuit comprising a hollow-fiber filter module and polymer sorbent in combination.

The present specification discloses plasma processing systems that include a number of different fluid flow circuits that are defined by sources of fluid, fluid lines, fluid flow paths, waste containers, a mixer, a separator, valves, and a pump. The systems also include a connector tube and a solvent extraction device, wherein the connector tube and solvent extraction device are configured to be alternatively inserted in a same position along a fluid flow line. In addition, the systems include a controller that is configured to execute a plurality of programmatic instructions to open and close each of a first fluid flow line valve, a second fluid flow line valve, a third fluid flow line valve, and a fourth fluid flow line valve in a predetermined sequence to either enable or prevent a flow of fluid through various fluid flow lines.

The present specification discloses plasma processing systems that include a number of different fluid flow circuits that are defined by sources of fluid, fluid lines, fluid flow paths, waste containers, a mixer, a separator, valves, and a pump. The systems also include a connector tube and a solvent extraction device, wherein the connector tube and solvent extraction device are configured to be alternatively inserted in a same position along a fluid flow line. In addition, the systems include a controller that is configured to execute a plurality of programmatic instructions to open and close each of a first fluid flow line valve, a second fluid flow line valve, a third fluid flow line valve, and a fourth fluid flow line valve in a predetermined sequence.

Provided are a toxin separator and the like which are capable of selectively separating toxin present in a biological fluid by binding to protein, from the toxin and the protein. The toxin separator of the present invention also includes activated carbon of which a pore volume of pores having a pore diameter from 1.4 to 35 nm as measured by a nitrogen adsorption method is 0.06 cm.sup.3/g or greater.

Apparatus and method for photo-chemical oxidation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a dialysis fluid regeneration system includes: a nanostructured anode; a source of light configured to illuminate the anode; and a cathode that is oxygen permeable.

The described technology may include treatment processes to increase the red blood cell (RBC) population of individuals, particularly chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with renal anemia, by reducing an amount of Piezo1 chemical agonists in the blood of patients. In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient with renal anemia may include increasing RBC lifespan of an RBC population of the patient via reduction of a Piezo1 channel activation duration of at least a portion of the RBC population by reducing an amount of a target uremic compound in the blood of the patient, the target uremic compound having a form that prolongs the Piezo1 channel activation duration, wherein the amount of the target uremic compound may be reduced via selectively removing at least a portion of the target uremic compound from the blood of the patient. Other embodiments are described.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the extracorporeal removal of protein-bound toxins from blood comprising at least one blood purification apparatus, in particular at least one dialysis machine, hemofilter or adsorber, as well as at least one means for generating a field in the blood purification apparatus and/or in an element in flow communication with the blood purification apparatus, in particular in a line section connected to the blood purification apparatus, wherein the means comprises at least two strip conductors which are arranged on at least two preferably oppositely disposed sides of the blood purification apparatus or of the element such that the field is preferably predominantly generated within the blood purification apparatus or preferably predominantly within the element.

A novel therapy concept based on a removal of circulating BSP (bone sialoprotein) from the plasma of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or highly at risk of developing arterial and vascular calcifications. The method comprises method of treatment of extracellular tissue and vascular calcifications, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, and arterial calcification. The beneficial effects of this therapy have been proven by the observed correspondence between levels of circulating free BSP levels and mortality of CKD patients as well as in animal models.

A blood based solute monitoring system for measuring at least one blood solute species that has a first recirculation flow path in communication with a dialyzer. The first recirculation flow path is configured to allow a fluid to recirculate through a dialyzer such that the concentration of at least one solute species in the fluid becomes equilibrated to the solute species concentration of the blood compartment of the dialyzer. The blood solute monitoring system has at least one sensor to measure a fluid characteristic.

A plasmapheresis device includes a column or other flow mechanism in which plasma flows following separation of the plasma from cellular components like blood cells, platelets and the like. The column includes a moiety, such as an antibody, which selectively binds to galectin-3. By removing galectin-3 from the blood stream of a mammal by at least 10%, improvements in the treatment of inflammation, suppression of the formation of fibroses, and a variety of cancer treatments can be effected or improved. The device provides for multiple columns to remove a variety of elements but includes one which selectively removes galectin-3 from the blood flow. Other agents may be added to the plasma before recombination with the cellular components of the blood, and before returning the recombined flow to the patient.